As the Manager of Research Development & Relations at Hamilton Health Sciences, Daniela Bianco is well acquainted with the leading-edge work conducted across the hospital sites. But in July 2018, she experienced this exceptional level of care for the first time as a patient.

Daniela was exercising at her local gym in Hamilton when she suddenly felt a numbing sensation crawling up her arms.

“I thought I was having a stroke,” she says. “I veered on the side of caution and called the paramedics. I was later told I would have died had I not called 9-1-1.”

Life-saving surgery

She was rushed by ambulance to Hamilton General Hospital. Daniela learned that she had suffered a heart attack due to a 100-per-cent blockage with a blood clot in her main left artery. The diagnosis was surprising to her, as she didn’t have the symptoms typically associated with heart attacks.

“My symptoms escalated as I was wheeled through the Emergency Department,” says Daniela. “I wasn’t even 50 years old, but honestly didn’t think I was going to survive.”

Time was of the essence. In the Heart Investigation Unit (HIU), the blood clot was removed and a stent (a wire-mesh tube) was inserted into Daniela’s artery, which restored blood flow to her heart. This minimally invasive procedure saved Daniela’s life.

“My eyes were closed throughout the ordeal, but I could sense the precision of my care team. It was an awe-inspiring moment as I heard my heartbeat resume to a normal rhythm after the stent was inserted.”

Rehabilitation

Daniela spent four days recovering at The General before she was discharged home. She returned as an outpatient at the Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation Centre for supervised walking and cycling exercises. She was also referred to a community program for additional support.

“The community program covered topics including nutrition, managing stress and heart disease. I was the youngest person in my class, which shows you’re never too young or too fit to suffer a heart attack.”

Daniela completed rehabilitation in November 2018 and is back to her regular training regime. Her background in medical research inspired her to participate in a study that is aiming to better understand heart conditions.

“I feel very blessed to live in Hamilton because I was at the right place, at the right time to receive the right care. I am alive because of the clinical expertise of the health care teams at Hamilton General Hospital. Their ability to help patients is enabled by donations, so I encourage anyone who can to make a donation and help more patients like me.”

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